Clark: Tonight is our Champions League final

William Watt

Lee Clark has described tonight’s home game against Middlesbrough as a Champions League final for Blackpool (7.45p).

The rock-bottom Seasiders’ chances of Championship survival look slimmer by the week, though they face third-placed Boro after back-to-back home wins.

Clark said: “I said in January that all our remaining games were cup finals.

“This one is our Champions League final and Saturday’s game against Forest is our World Cup final.

“By 5pm on Saturday we will have a right good idea of what we have to do for the closing stages of the season.”

Pool have no fresh injury worries and should have Joe Lewis available after illness ruled the keeper out of Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Norwich.

Clark explained: “I’m not a doctor but he was ill on Saturday. If he’s not well, I can’t pick him.

“We were hopeful he would travel down alone (to Norwich) on Friday but he reported in worse than he was on Thursday. He trained on Monday and we will see how he reacts. He’s available for selection now.

“Steven Davies had a tight groin at Norwich but got through the game.

“We don’t think there was a pull or anything. Hopefully it was just a bit of tightness.

“I don’t think he’d have got through the game on Saturday if it was a tear.

“I spoke to Steven on Sunday and he was positive he’d be OK for Tuesday. His positive attitude will help.”

Clark insists his side are already over their morale-sapping hammering at Carrow Road.

“Having two quickfire games is the best way to get over a disappointing result,” he said.

“It was a long trip home for the players and supporters but we are now ready for tonight’s game. We have prepared properly, so there are no excuses.”